How to get from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree

Maria Papakonstantinou

May 30, 2023

Joshua Tree is located in San Bernardino County, California. The Joshua Tree National Park is a haven for travellers looking to explore nature trails, admire dark skies, and go camping or rock climbing. You can get from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree directly either by taxi or by bus.

Choosing an airport taxi or pre-booking a personalised transfer will take you from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree quickly without any stops. The ride will cost about $120 (€112) for up to 4 passengers, which might seem a bit pricey, but you’ll be in Joshua Tree in approximately 50 minutes whilst enjoying the comfort of a private vehicle. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, taking the local bus is a good alternative. If you opt for public transportation, you’ll need to take Route 12 to Yucca Valley and then Route 1 from there to Joshua Tree, which will take about 1 hour and 35 minutes, excluding wait times, at only $12.50 (€11.70) per traveller.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Palm Springs at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

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Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€112	50min	24/7
Bus	€23.40	95min	07:55–17:45

How to get from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree by taxi

To get from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree quickly and in comfort, the best option is to take an airport taxi from the cab rank or book an airport transfer in advance. The average cost for a local taxicab is $120 (€112) and the ride takes about 50 minutes in light traffic conditions.

What's the cost of a taxi from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree?

The cost of an airport taxi from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree can vary depending on the operator you choose. The average fare for a standard taxi for up to 4 passengers is approximately $120 (€112).

Photos (1)

Official Palm Springs taxi

Cost

$120

Trip Duration

50 min

The total fare might differ depending on the operator. To secure a fixed rate it's best to pre-book your airport transfer.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Palm Springs Airport for on-demand service.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Palm Springs Airport taxis are available 24/7 and ready for on-demand service. You’ll find the taxi rank located on the Arrivals level, as soon as you exit the main terminal building. Make sure to choose an official taxi service provider to ensure quality service and avoid being overcharged.

Convenience

Taking a taxi to get from Palm Springs International Airport to Joshua Tree is the most convenient transportation option in terms of speed and comfort. You’ll reach your destination directly without worrying about finding the right bus stop or when the next departure is. You’ll also avoid the crowds that tend to form on the bus during peak hours. For an even smoother experience, you can pre-book your transfer and enjoy peace of mind from the get-go!

Editor’s Note

The fare for an airport taxi to Joshua Tree might seem a bit pricey but it's definitely worth it if you value comfort and speed. Especially if you're travelling with young children or you're carrying many pieces of luggage, it's an ideal option to reach your accommodation smoothly.

Useful Tips

Not all taxis in Palm Springs accept card payments, so make sure to carry cash on you.

If the operator you choose uses a taximeter to calculate the fare, make sure that it's turned on and reset to the base fare.

Tipping your driver 15% of the total fare or more for longer routes is expected in Palm Springs.

How to get from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree by bus

Another way to get from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree is by taking the local buses operated by Basin Transit. Route 12 departs from Palm Springs Airport three times per day and it will take you to the Yucca Valley Transit Centre; from there you can switch to Route 1, which will take you to Hwy 62 & Park Blvd at Joshua Tree. The trip, not including potential wait times, takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.

How much is the bus fare from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree?

The total cost for the trip from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree is $12.50 (€11.70) per traveller. You’ll need to purchase different tickets once you get on each bus, so make sure to carry some cash on you.

Photos (1)

Bus operated by Basin Transit

Cost

$12.50

Trip Duration

1 h 35 min

The trip duration might vary depending on traffic conditions and unexpected route changes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Bus route 12 departs from Palm Springs Airport three times daily; at 07:55, 10:45, and 17:45. Bus route 1 departs from Yucca Valley Transit Centre every hour from 06:10 until 21:20 on weekdays.

Where do I take the bus from?

The bus stop for Route 12 at Palm Springs Airport is located at the north end of the terminal, in front of the car rental lot. To switch to Route 1, you’ll need to disembark at the Yucca Valley Transit Centre bus stop.

Convenience

Taking the bus to get from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree is a very budget-friendly option to reach your destination but it’s not a very convenient one. The total trip can take up to 2 hours if you take into account the waiting time for the next bus departure. Also, the bus departs from the airport only three times per day, meaning you’ll need careful planning based on your flight arrival time. If you value comfort and speed above all, you’ll be better off taking an airport taxi or private transfer.

Timetables

Basin Transit route 12

Fare, schedule, map

Basin Transit route 1

Fare, schedule, map

Editor’s Note

The local bus is by far the cheapest option to reach Joshua Tree; if you're travelling alone or on a budget and don’t mind the lengthier trip and waiting times, it's the best value-for-money option.

Useful Tips

You can purchase your ticket on the bus only in cash; make sure to have the exact fare as the driver can't provide any change.

All Basin Transit buses are wheelchair-lift equipped.

Each paying adult may accompany up to 3 children, 5 years old or younger, for free.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree?

Getting from Palm Springs International Airport to Joshua Tree is possible by taxi or bus. An airport taxi will take you there in about 50 minutes for around $120 (€112) for up to 4 passengers. Taking the bus is a cheaper option but takes almost twice the time. You’ll need to take Route 12 to Yucca Valley and then switch to Route 1 to reach Joshua Tree; Basin Transit operates both routes and the fare is $12.50 (€11.70) per traveller.

What’s the cost of a shuttle from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree?

Palm Springs taxis are usually metered and calculate the fare based on distance, but for longer routes, you might be able to negotiate a fixed fare with the driver. The average fare for a taxi from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park is about $120 (€112) for up to 4 passengers.

What’s the distance from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree?

The distance from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree is approximately 63 kilometres; getting there by taxi or a private ride takes about 50 minutes in light traffic.

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How to get from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree by taxi

What's the cost of a taxi from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree?

Photos (1)

Cost

$120

Trip Duration

50 min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Palm Springs Airport for on-demand service.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree by bus

How much is the bus fare from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree?

Photos (1)

Cost

$12.50

Trip Duration

1 h 35 min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Bus route 12 departs from Palm Springs Airport three times daily; at 07:55, 10:45, and 17:45. Bus route 1 departs from Yucca Valley Transit Centre every hour from 06:10 until 21:20 on weekdays.

Where do I take the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

Basin Transit route 12

Fare, schedule, map

Basin Transit route 1

Fare, schedule, map

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree?

What’s the cost of a shuttle from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree?

What’s the distance from Palm Springs Airport to Joshua Tree?

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The best way to arrive in Palm Springs

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